HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Sunnyside dumping ground, previously reported on by, has seen significant cleanup, but the broader issue of illegal dumping persists in Houston.
The 9500 block of Jutland Road was littered with a discarded boat, paint cans, and trash bags when Eyewitness News visited on Tuesday. By Thursday, most of the trash had been removed, though some tires and trash bags remained.
This area, part of District D, is represented by Houston City Councilwoman Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz. She acknowledged that maintaining cleanliness would be challenging.
“It’s going to keep happening over and over until we implement some solutions,” she said. “Perhaps the city can install measures like cameras.”
Residents noted that Jutland previously had cameras, which are now gone. Evans-Shabazz was unaware of the prior cameras but promised to investigate.
also identified illegal dumping on nearby Groveton Street. In spring 2023, the Sylvester Turner Administration introduced “One Clean Houston,” a plan to combat illegal dumping with increased funding for heavy-trash removal and the installation of cameras.
“Illegal dumping can decrease the quality of life in our communities,” Turner stated at the time.
Mayor John Whitmire’s office to check if his administration has continued Turner’s initiatives. The office responded:
“Mayor Whitmire’s Administration is building upon the recommendations and initiatives to address illegal dumping.”
The statement highlighted expanded partnerships with the county to add more officers and cameras and claimed that 311 calls related to dumping are being resolved faster than in 2023.
However, Sunnyside resident Travis McGee remains skeptical about the effectiveness of 311.
“It does absolutely no good to call 311,” he said.
McGee provided screenshots showing dumping cases marked as closed by 311, despite the trash still being present.
Meanwhile, the Whitmire administration is exploring new and innovative methods for Houstonians to dispose of heavy trash.
